Marywood University Earns Strong National and Statewide Rankings from Niche Marywood University has earned strong national, statewide and regional recognition in the 2027 Niche College Rankings, which evaluated more than 4,000 colleges and universities across the United States. Marywood earned notable placements across a wide range of categories, demonstrating the University’s strength in academics, value, student experience, and several of its signature programs. Among Marywood’s 2027 rankings are: #63 Best Catholic Colleges in America #7 Best Catholic Colleges in Pennsylvania #47 Best Colleges for Architecture in America #10 Best Colleges for Education in Pennsylvania #23 Best Value Colleges in Pennsylvania #30 Best Colleges in Pennsylvania A grade for Student Wellness Marywood also ranks #16 among the Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania, the highest-ranked local institution in the category. The University earned additional high marks for Best College Dorms in Pennsylvania (#7), Best College Campuses in Pennsylvania (#23), Top Private Universities in Pennsylvania (#25), Best College Food in Pennsylvania (#25) and Colleges with the Best Academics in Pennsylvania (#27), along with positive placements in numerous other categories. Niche combines data from sources including the U.S. Department of Education and the National Science Foundation with enrollment and alumni earnings statistics, tuition and financial aid information, and more than one million student and alumni reviews. Marywood’s strong showing across academic, value, campus, and student experience categories reflects the University’s continued commitment to “students first”, providing students with an exceptional education and an environment in which they can thrive. To view Marywood University’s complete list of rankings, go to niche.com/colleges/marywood-university/rankings.
NEPA Philharmonic and Luzerne County to celebrate county’s 240th anniversary Luzerne County and the NEPA Philharmonic will celebrate both the county’s 240th and America’s 250th anniversaries with a performance featuring a local Broadway star, a local singer-songwriter, and multimedia of local history, along with music, dance, and narration inspired by Pennsylvania’s rich heritage and cultures. Both entities will present the Luzerne County 240th Celebration on Friday, September 25 at 7 PM at the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre. In the program, the NEPA PHIL will perform two major compositions by renowned American composer Aaron Copland: Lincoln Portrait, a moving work for narrator and orchestra highlighting the inspirational words of the 16th United States President Abraham Lincoln, along with Appalachian Spring, famous for its musical depiction of 19th-century Pennsylvanian heritage and the use of the Shaker melody “Simple Gifts”. Appalachian Spring will be presented alongside brand-new artistic multimedia, narration, and dance highlighting 240 years of Luzerne County history across its 76 municipalities. Wilkes-Barre City Councilman and local historian Tony Brooks will provide narration for Appalachian Spring; the narrator for Lincoln Portrait is to be announced. “The NEPA Philharmonic is thrilled to collaborate with Luzerne County and so many amazing partners on this once-in-a-generation celebratory musical event,” said Chason Goldschmitz, NEPA PHIL Executive Director. “We are immensely thankful for continued support from the broader Luzerne County and NEPA community, and we are proud to showcase the incredible artistry of our orchestral musicians and hometown stars on this special occasion.” Broadway star and Luzerne County native Celia Hottenstein also joins the orchestra for the concert, presenting a selection of Broadway songs from Oklahoma, Anastasia, Company, and more alongside her husband and fellow Broadway star Travis Taber. Luzerne County singer-songwriter-guitarist Gracie Jane Sinclair, winner of the inaugural NEPA PHIL Battle of the Bands, will perform two of her original songs alongside the orchestra, orchestrated by NEPA PHIL trumpeter Darin Kelly. The program will also feature the National Anthem, sung by Hottenstein with an orchestration by NEPA PHIL Music Director Mélisse Brunet, and the premiere of Keystone Jubilee, a new orchestral fanfare composed for the occasion by NEPA PHIL Executive Director Chason Goldschmitz. The program will be approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes in length, including a 20-minute intermission. Luzerne County & NEPA PHIL will also present a special Young People’s Concert for Luzerne County schools on Friday, September 25th at 10:30 AM at the F.M. Kirby Center. Copland’s Appalachian Spring and the new historical multimedia, narration, and dance will be presented for students in grades 3-12 from across Luzerne County, highlighting 240 years of Luzerne County history in an accessible and exciting setting. Interested schools and homeschool families can call the NEPA PHIL for more information, at (570) 270-4444. Sponsorships, including Pennsylvania EITC-eligible support, are still available and welcome for the concert from individuals and businesses; benefits at various levels include program book advertisements, recognition on screen and announced from the stage, complimentary tickets, and limited Title Sponsorship options. Support can be directed towards the entire event, the evening concert, the Young People’s Concert, a broadcast recording, or towards free Angel Tickets to be distributed to veterans and low-income Luzerne County residents through local nonprofit partners. Interested sponsors can reach out to the NEPA Philharmonic at (570) 270-4444. Tickets for the program start at $16 for students (with ID) and $24 for adults; tickets are available at NEPAPHIL.org, by calling the Philharmonic Box Office at 570-270-4444, or by visiting the F.M. Kirby Center Box Office on Public Square.
Johnson College receives final contribution from Peoples Security Bank & Trust for innovation campaign Johnson College received a final $30,000 contribution from Peoples Security Bank & Trust, completing the bank’s $150,000 commitment to the College’s Innovation at Work Capital Campaign. Through its support of the campaign, Peoples Security Bank & Trust helped Johnson College make significant investments in its campus and educational programs, providing students with modern learning spaces, technology and equipment. The Innovation at Work Capital Campaign was a $5 million initiative focused on supporting continued growth and student success at Johnson College. The campaign supported the construction of Ideal Saldi Hall, expansion of the building trades labs, which became Bracey Hall, and the College’s Annual Fund and student scholarships. These investments have strengthened Johnson College’s ability to provide students with the education, technology and resources needed to prepare for successful careers. To learn more about the Innovation at Work Capital Campaign and the impact of the campaign’s investments, click here.
Barry Isett & Associates hosts career exploration day for students Barry Isett & Associates welcomed nine students from the Northampton Area School District Summer Career Mentorship Program to its office for a day of career exploration and industry insight. The program connected students with professionals who provided mentorship, guidance, and real-world perspectives on a variety of careers. Throughout the day, students met with team members from 11 departments across the organization, gaining exposure to the many disciplines that help bring projects and communities to life. From municipal, structural, MEP, geotechnical, and land development engineering to environmental services, surveying, landscape architecture, grants management, code services, and construction quality assurance, students experienced the collaborative nature of the industry firsthand. Through conversations about education, career journeys, workplace challenges, and professional growth, the Barry Isett & Associates team also provided insight into pathways students may never have previously considered.
Johnson College receives scholarship award Johnson College received a $1,500 scholarship to support its automotive technology students with demonstrated financial need. This is the 16th year that this particular scholarship has been awarded to Johnson College students. Scholarship funds are raised through donations, volunteer work, sponsorships and annual Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club calendar sales. Johnson College’s two-year associate degree program in Automotive Technology prepares students for entry-level positions in the automotive career fields of automotive service centers, engine repair/machine shops, automotive equipment distributors, independent service garages, automotive parts manufacturers, sales representation and auto insurance companies. Graduates may work with brake systems, transmissions, alignments and repairs; be representatives in claims, sales and service; or become truck/fleet maintenance technicians.
Marywood University receives $11,000 EITC donation Marywood University has received an $11,000 Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) donation, which will support the University’s Momentum Program. The contribution will help expand opportunities for high school students who participate in the dual enrollment program. It allows juniors and seniors to earn college credits while completing their high school graduation requirements. “Marywood University is grateful to Pagnotti Enterprises, Inc. for their generous support of the Momentum Program and their commitment to expanding access to educational opportunities for local students,” said Lisa A. Lori, J.D., President. “Partnerships like this help empower the next generation of learners by providing meaningful experiences that prepare them for future academic and professional success.” Momentum offers a variety of college-level courses during the summer, fall and spring semesters. Students enrolled in the program experience the same curriculum, instructional materials and academic expectations as Marywood University students.
Mechanical engineering students at Penn State Scranton conduct solar panel study for local organization Six mechanical engineering students at Penn State Scranton received experience solving a real-world issue. The Monroe County Conservation District (MCCD) in Stroudsburg was having issues with power interruptions threatening its educational programming and support services. Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering Farhang Daneshmand had put out a call to organizations in the area that could provide student engineering projects, and MCCD jumped on the opportunity. “The partnership was motivated by a desire to move beyond purely hypothetical design problems and provide students with an authentic, real-world engineering experience,” Daneshmand said. “The Monroe County Conservation District presented a meaningful and timely challenge — energy reliability and resilience — which allowed students to work on a problem with clear technical, economic and community impact.” Six third-year students enrolled in Daneshmand’s ME 340: Design Methodology class – Emily Beemer, Ethan Lee, Joshua MacLunny, Clera O’Boyle, Eric Pisack and Vance Weimer – completed the project. They were all organized into specialized teams based on their backgrounds, experience and interests, and worked with MCCD to figure out if a solar energy backup system could improve power reliability. The students also consulted with industry professionals. In the end, the students helped prepare a proposal for a solar energy resilience system that could run the MCCD building during a power outage. The proposed system was also tailored to the building’s space constraints. The system isn’t being installed yet, but MCCD said it’s analyzing its budget and looking for grant opportunities to bring the project to life. Daneshmand said the project reflected the core goals of Penn State Scranton’s mechanical engineering program: combining technical theory with hands-on application.
University of Scranton Students Offer Free Income Tax Assistance Lackawanna and Wayne County residents whose households earned $67,000 or less in 2024 can receive free assistance in completing and filing their federal, state, and local tax returns from University of Scranton accounting students through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. University students have assisted residents with low and moderate incomes who need help with their basic tax returns for more than 30 years. Walk-in service in Brennan Hall on the University’s campus begins on Monday, Feb. 3. The VITA service is offered on a first-come, first-served basis during scheduled hours. Appointments are not available at the University. Walk-in VITA service without an appointment is available in room 111 of Brennan Hall, Madison Avenue, on the University’s campus on Mondays, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Tuesdays, from noon to 5 p.m.; Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. VITA service begins on Monday, Feb. 3, and continues to Friday, Apr. 4, except for the week of Mar. 17 to Mar. 21, when the University is closed for Spring Break. The VITA office may also close due to inclement weather. The University reserves the right to cap the number of walk-in residents they can serve within a single day. Residents can schedule appointments at other locations by contacting the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties by visiting www.uwlc.net or calling 570-602-3133, or 1-866-662-8887, 211. Residents who qualify for the free VITA service are asked to bring the following items: a valid photo ID; Social Security cards for all taxpayers and dependents; all W2 forms; last year’s tax returns; all 1099 forms (interest, dividends, pensions); unemployment paperwork; Form 8332 for non-custodial parents; information related to income and expenses (business, rental properties, sale of stocks); a personal banking account check if direct deposit is desired; documentation related to health insurance for themselves and anyone on the tax return, such as Form 1095-A, -B or –C; and real estate tax receipts if you qualify for the rent/tax rebate. Residents with questions may call the University at 570-941-4045.
Marywood University Partners with PA National Guard to Provide 100% Tuition Coverage for Eligible Students and Families Marywood University is proud to announce a new partnership with the Pennsylvania National Guard, making it the only university in Lackawanna County to offer eligible students and their families 100% tuition coverage through the Educational Assistance Program (EAP) and Military Family Education Program (MFEP). The Pennsylvania National Guard’s EAP covers tuition as determined by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), enabling Guard members to pursue their degrees with significant financial support. While the program does not cover all fees, eligible students can benefit by meeting the following qualifications: A six-year service commitment to the Pennsylvania National Guard Active membership in the PA National Guard Enrollment in an approved degree program Submission of all required paperwork through the student’s National Guard unit Submission of an annual FAFSA and PA State Grant Application In addition, the Military Family Education Program (MFEP) offers tuition coverage and a portion of the technology fee for the spouses and children of Pennsylvania National Guard members. To qualify for the MFEP, Guard members must commit to an additional six years of service, with all documentation submitted through their unit. With five National Guard units located in Scranton alone and nearly 18,000 members statewide, the Pennsylvania National Guard is the second-largest National Guard in the country. This partnership demonstrates Marywood University’s steadfast commitment to supporting service members and their families while fostering accessible, high-quality education. “Marywood University is honored to stand alongside our brave Pennsylvania National Guard members and their families,” said President Lisa A. Lori, J.D. “As the only university in Lackawanna County offering this opportunity, we are proud to help local service members achieve their educational goals while recognizing their tremendous service to our state and nation.” For more information about eligibility and application details, visit marywood.edu/veterans or contact April Paciotti, Office of Military and Veteran Services Enrollment Manager, SCO at adpaciotti@marywood.edu.
Skills in Scranton Set to Host the 2025 Workforce Summit Skills in Scranton, the workforce development affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, is proud to announce the 2025 Workforce Summit. The event will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel in downtown Scranton from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This event goes beyond a typical career fair, offering a full day of networking, professional development, and career exploration for individuals eager to advance their career journey. Key event highlights include: 50 Employers: Attendees can meet leading employers, explore job opportunities, and find a career path that fits their goals. Professional Development Sessions: Throughout the day, participants can engage in workshops focused on resume building, interview techniques, and navigating various career paths. Keynote Presentation by Ryan Leckey: Renowned media personality and CEO of Ryan Leckey Media will present the keynote, “Building Your Personal Brand and Breaking Barriers: Trusting Your Instincts to Forge Your Own Path.” Leckey will inspire both students and business leaders with his personal journey, offering insights on standing out in the digital world, embracing authenticity, and achieving career success. Who Should Attend: High school students preparing for employment after graduation. College students exploring career opportunities and looking to connect with regional employers. Job seekers of all ages seeking to advance their careers. Business professionals interested in professional development and expanding their network. The 2025 Workforce Summit is designed for anyone looking to educate, develop, and network to take the next step in their career. Whether you are entering the workforce, seeking a career change, or looking to grow professionally, this event offers valuable resources and opportunities. For more information to secure an employer booth and event sponsorship for the 2025 Workforce Summit, visit ScrantonChamber.com.
